THE organisation running mental health and community care services in Worcestershire has been told it must make improvements in a range of areas.

Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust has been given a ‘requires improvement’ ranking in a Care Quality Commission report published earlier today.

Although the trust was ranked ‘good’ for how well patients were treated with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect as well as its leadership, it was given a ‘requires improvement’ rating for safety, the effectiveness of treatment and responsiveness to patient’s individual needs.

The main concerns raised in the report included the ability of patients in mental health wards – who may be at risk of attempting to commit suicide – being able to access ligature points which they would be able to use to form a noose as well as some wards having blind spots, meaning staff were in some cases unable to keep patients in view at all times.

Harvington Ward at Kidderminster Hospital – an in-patient ward for adults with mental health issues – came in for particular criticism, with inspectors raising concerns that patients were unable to access the canteen and staff not being able to access the heating system, meaning it was often too cold.

However, the team of 80 inspectors, who visited the trust for five days starting on Monday, January 19, also praised many other elements of the trust, such as the extent to which patients were treated with dignity and respect and leadership.

The CQC’s deputy chief inspector of hospitals and lead for mental health, Dr Paul Lelliott said inspectors had given the trust immediate feedback during the inspections and had been particularly concerned by safety and quality of treatment at Havington Ward.

“As well as finding some areas for improvement, we also found a number of areas of good practice across Worcestershire Health Care NHS Trust,” he said. “In particular we concluded staff in nearly all parts of the trust were caring and compassionate.

“Community health services were delivered to a good standard, with the exception of patient safety concerns at some minor injury units.

“We heard positive feedback from patients and carers and saw that treatment was delivered in a sensitive and dignified way.”

The trust’s director of nursing Sandra Brennan said she was pleased by the positive aspects of the report but recognised changes needed to be made.

“We have already developed a plan and many of the actions are already complete,” she said. Portfolio director at the NHS Trust Development Authority – an independent body working alongside health trusts – Jeffrey Worrall said: “Staff at Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust are working very hard to deliver high quality care, recognised by this inspection.

“We will continue to support the trust as they progress further improvements across all areas identified and monitor delivery of their improvement action plan.

“They have made great progress so far and staff should be commended for their caring services and continued efforts to improve the patient experience.”

To view the full report visit www.cqc.org.uk.

The trust’s action plan following the inspection is available at www.hacw.nhs.uk/CIHreport.

Main concerns raised by the CQC

  • Patients on mental health wards being able to access ligature points such as beams or rafters which they could use to form a noose to commit suicide.
  • Blind spots on wards where staff were unable to observe patients at all times.
  • Some patients not properly assessed to determine whether or not they had the mental capacity to consent to treatment.
  • Services for young people not always staffed by appropriately skilled staff.
  • Recording and storage of medicines as well as regular review and maintenance of machinery.

Areas of good practice identified by the CQC

  • Stroke team created information pack for patients, which is very easy to read.
  • GP referrals in the Wyre Forest have been successfully reduced by almost 10 per cent in two years.
  • Young people with psychological problems are supported through a scheme helping them improve their mental health through exercise.
  • Patients were placed at the forefront of care at inpatient wards.
  • Many patients and families said treatment was delivered in a sensitive and dignified manner.
  • Children and young people being given a greater say on services through the Young Person’s Board.